I'm new to the Austin area, spent my second day at SMPL today, and here are some thoughts:…read more -There are smaller, neighborhood libraries, and there are bigger, world-class libraries. This is world class! -Here are some of the amenities: a business center, a teen center, a children's center, a historical center, private rooms to reserve, a conference room, a quiet reading room, an area in the lobby you can eat and talk, and much, much more! -I've found the library ee's friendly and helpful. The overall vibe is good. Lots of families, students, and older folks--a hive of activity. Highly recommended!

I love our library! Despite being an older building, it is very well maintained and feels like a…read morenew structure. It offers a special teen section where anyone can peruse for a book, but only teens can sit and enjoy the dimmed and subdued atmosphere. This is quite the opposite for the bright and open children's section with a massive offering of books for the littles, ages 0 and up. Board books, picture books, short bed time stories, classic fairy tales, and the longer fare you might remember from elementary and middle school. Also with on this section, you will find a large meeting space for groups and readings, and a smaller play room you can book for play dates or just to get your gaggle of kids out of the house. They also sponsor the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program as a push to promote parent involvement in their kids' early literacy. I haven't used the facility's other meeting rooms and study carousels, but they have much to offer the community.

It's an exceptional library and all the staff (except one) are lovely. However, it's been my…read moreunfortunate experience that no matter what time we go it's a cacophony of badly behaved toddlers. Maybe sitters are in short supply. Such a shame. No studying can be done here, or even reading.

Very impressed with the facilities and offerings at this community library! It's located in a…read morebeautiful and peaceful setting and the staff I've interacted with have all been so kind and welcoming. Highly recommend a visit!

If the NBPL was a man, I would marry it!…read more Such a beautiful place, my own personal sanctuary! I'm here 2-3 times out of the week, and always look forward to my next visits/finds. They always have the newest books but you must get them fast (2 week limit). My favorite section is their DVD collection, they have newest releases and the oldest classics. Their printing services are fantastic! It's still 10 cents per copy and free scanning privileges. They have an area of audio books, which I adore even though my family says it's cheating. You can even check out CD's! Oh my goodness guys, they have canned food drives 1-2 times a year that cover your late fees! I always take advantage of this event and bring my entire pantry even though I owe at most $2. You can self checkout but BEWARE if you have a late fee the computer will say "uh oh" in which everyone turns to look at the culprit lol I've managed to rack up $1.80 and I swear my notification sounds like Megadeath "UH OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!! My receipts always let me know how much I've saved, so this year I've saved almost $2,600 , YES! The staff are the best I've ever encountered! If anyone ever looks lost or confused they go right to you, so sweet. ************************************ Friends of the Library is located to your right hand side once you walk in to the library. I LOVE THIS STORE! You can get a popular paperback book for $1, and newest hardbacks are $4. My first visit I bought 11 paperbacks (Nicholas Sparks/Allende/Jennifer Weiner/Evanovich/Orsen Welles/Yann Martel) all for $11.88! Please note that all funds are applied to creating community programs that enhance all areas of life. They recently had their annual book sale and raised $26,000! Way to go!

Brought my pup to the paw print activity being held at the outside reading area behind the library…read moreso she can unleash her inner Picasso. We could make a paw print on canvas or do "lick art " ..by having our dog lick peanut butter off a ziplock bag that had paint and canvas in it. We did both and it was a masterpiece!!! Great idea, NB library , for allowing an activity that includes our best furry friends!

Such a beautiful and relaxing place to spend a few hours. There are plenty of quiet areas to read…read moreor work, plus lots of natural light and comfortable seating. I also like that you can walk around and find different spaces depending on whether you want something quiet or more open. Definitely one of the nicest libraries I've been to

Who knew a library could be this much of a destination?…read more During our Austin visit on Sunday, September 13, we explored the gorgeous Austin Central Library, right beside Lady Bird Lake--and wow, this place is an architectural gem! Spacious, spotless, and beautifully designed, it feels like a library meets urban oasis. The top floor is the star of the show, with a mini park, solar-panel shade structures, and breathtaking views of Lady Bird Lake. There are cozy reading nooks, spaces for games, a whole floor for kids, plus a cafe and gift shop downstairs. Parking is conveniently available below. We came for books but stayed for the views! San Antonio, take notes? I'd definitely make another stop here on our next Austin adventure.

This is such a great library. The staff are always so nice and full of information, there are a TON…read moreof activities for kids of all ages and the library is always neat and clean. LOVE our library!!

I cannot imagine buying too many books for kids my children's ages since they're bored quickly and…read moreready to move on to something else. My only complaint for this location is that some returned books weren't showing up in their system and that slowed down being able to borrow again. I'm making sure to return things we've borrowed at least a day ahead of time to be sure that they are making it inside and being accounted for.

Beautiful building, very spacious and very clean. Staff members are so nice and it's fast and easy…read moreto sign up for a library card and check out and return books. Very large selection and the children's area is so cute and set up in a way that makes it look fun and exciting to children. There are also dvds available to rent and computers that can be used with some having learning games for children on them. Definitely suggest checking this place out and keeping libraries alive.

We absolutely LOVE our community library! Fun/creative programs and events. Extremely kind…read morelibrary staff that go above and beyond.

This is our family's favorite library in Lakeway. It isn't overly big, the staff is so…read morefriendly-they knows us by name, and the book selection is great. This library is one of our weekly stops throughout summer. We we partake in their summer camp series for kids and live stocking up on new reads. We have even been surprised with a popsicle truck that gave us a tasty summer treat. I highly recommend the Lake Travis Community Library.

Five stars to all the staff at our sweet little library but a special thank you to Ms Sarah and Sue…read morewho are so patient with my kids always asking for 101 books each visit. Sue has been a staple since my first son was going to weekly Storytime's and Ms Karen is always smiling and so positive at the book mobile. Great selection of kids books and they usually have a craft to do. Would love to see a few more kids activities that could pull in the community more but I believe that Covid had caused that to slow.

First time visiting this library. It's fairly close to home and I'm always looking for new…read morelibraries to take my daughter. I take her for story time and play dates. Miss Kansas, (yes, that's her name) lol, she is amazing with the kiddos! I loved and enjoyed it as much as my daughter did. The library itself is very big and beautifully designed. The kids area is bigger than other libraries I have been to and it's vibrant and colorful. It has a modern feel to it but very welcoming ambiance. I will definitely be coming back. The entire staff today was so kind and helpful. Great overall experience and highly recommend.

I love how many kids were there during story time, my daughter had a great time! She enjoyed…read moreplaying alongside other toddlers her age.

A few years ago, I had a challenging experience at the Bee Cave Public Library involving my service…read moreanimal.I remember clearly of the Librarian yelled at me said no animals are allowed even service animals. She said she was allergic, so I left with my service animal. Shocked at the behavior of a person who doesn't understand service animals are not pets but a helpful guide dog with people with disabilities. At the time, there was a misunderstanding, and I was treated in a way that was difficult for me. While that experience stayed in my heart, I chose to move forward with forgiveness and understanding, knowing that sometimes people simply don't know what they don't know. Today, I returned to the library for the first time in several years, and I am truly grateful I did. From the moment I walked in, I was treated with genuine respect, kindness, and professionalism. It meant more to me than I can fully express, because it showed growth, compassion, and a willingness to learn from the past. I have always loved public libraries -- especially for discovering incredible books, vintage titles, and sources of profound information that you don't easily find elsewhere. I had no idea this library held such a beautiful and extensive collection, and it reminded me why reading and learning bring me so much joy. This experience healed something for me. I am thankful for the positive change, for the welcoming environment, and for a library that clearly cares about its community. I look forward to returning again and spending many more quiet hours surrounded by books.

Lovely and quiet. Love the atmosphere…read more Will definitely come back for the silence and cool air